Domestic Violence Clinic

This clinic provides practical experience in and examination of domestic violence, its impact on victims and families, and the applicable law. Students learn the effects of domestic violence and, under supervision, learn to interview, provide advice and counsel to, and provide court representation of clients in domestic abuse cases. Class meetings focus both on current practice experiences of the students and readings and discussions of domestic violence law. Third-Year practice required.

The Penn State Lexicon Magazine is the main publication of the Dickinson School of Law. Professor Cunningham is included in the article titled "Attacking Domestic Violence on all Fronts." His specific section is on page 27.

Quotations from Domestic Violence Clinic students:

"I learned the importance of preparing a client for a hearing, even if you have very limited time, and the importance of being flexible and ready to go when it comes to legal practice in the "real world." You won't always have days to write direct examination questions, and so it was helpful to get some fast-paced experience."

"The most important thing about this clinic was the practical experience that it offered. I believe that appearing before a judge, especially for a law student, is one of the first moments in a legal career where the person actually feels like a lawyer. This clinic offered that exact feeling."

"The best things about this course was the knowledge that the supervising attorney was able to impart from his experience and the opportunity to put that knowledge into action in client representation. I was also pleased with the exposure to representatives from a local shelter for victims of domestic violence, who showed us another perspective on these types of cases from their direct interaction with victims.﻿﻿"